I'm feeling really overwhelmed right now and could use some advice. My sweet cat, Whiskers, just came back from a routine vet visit, and the vet said they're worried because her urine test showed she's forming calcium oxalate. Her pH balance was 6, which apparently isn't ideal. I'm trying to wrap my head around all this because I've never dealt with it before. The vet mentioned something about changing her diet to help, but I'm not entirely sure where to start. Whiskers is normally a healthy and happy kitty, so I’m just anxious to make sure she stays that way. If anyone has experience with this or can offer some guidance on foods or supplements that might help, I’d really appreciate it. I just want to make sure I'm doing everything right for my little furball.
Thanks for your question. It sounds like your vet found calcium oxalate crystals in your cat's urine, which usually indicates that your cat's urine is somewhat acidic, around a pH of 6. This isn't necessarily a major problem, but it's something to keep an eye on because these crystals can turn into stones, potentially causing discomfort or urinary blockages.
Calcium oxalate crystals form when there's an excess of calcium or oxalates in the diet, combined with insufficient water intake. I suggest ensuring your cat drinks plenty of water. You might add a little water to their wet food, or consider a pet fountain, as many cats prefer running water. Also, keeping their litter box clean can encourage them to urinate more frequently, which helps flush out these crystals.
Monitor your cat for signs such as straining to urinate, blood in the urine, or urinating outside the litter box. If you notice any of these signs, it's best to get in touch with your vet right away, as they could indicate a blockage.
To discuss a tailored plan to help manage your cat's condition, please consider scheduling a video consult with one of our vets on Dial A Vet.
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